No-cost tax programs have helped millions of individuals prepare their tax returns, including modest-income taxpayers, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
LEARN HOW YOUR PLANNED GIFT CAN HELP THE AMERICAN LEGION
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that it is seeking individuals for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.
The volunteers in these no-cost tax programs have helped millions of individuals prepare their tax returns, including modest-income taxpayers, seniors and individuals with disabilities. The volunteers range from high school students to retired individuals. The IRS encourages anyone who is interested to sign up.
There are many benefits for VITA and TCE volunteers. Here are key points to keep in mind if you are considering signing up:
No Experience Required There is free training for volunteers on the preparation of tax returns.
Flexible Hours and Locations VITA and TCE sites are found nationwide. There are different hours and schedules available. Most volunteers serve at night or on weekends.
Multiple Volunteer Roles VITA and TCE volunteers have many different functions. These include greeters, interpreters, tax preparers to complete the returns, quality review staff to check the returns, computer specialists and tax coaches.
Tax Professionals Tax professional volunteers can earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits. Tax professionals include enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys.
Assist Those in Need The VITA and TCE programs are generally available for underserved communities.
Many volunteers benefit from the IRS education programs. These programs include a "Link & Learn Taxes" volunteer certification test; each year, the IRS prepares a new testing website. There is also an extensive practice lab resource for individuals. The IRS offers both a basic and an advanced course on taxes.
The practice lab is available at VITA.taxslayerpro.com/IRSTraining. To access the lab, there is a generic password – "TRAINPROWEB” – to view the courses, and you will be prompted to create an account. There are additional specialized courses for specific categories. After taking the basic and advanced courses, individuals in the MilTax program may take the military course.
Those interested in volunteering may go to irs.gov/volunteers and sign up. The IRS will thereafter send you a list of the local VITA and TCE sites and an invitation to a virtual orientation.
The American Legion’s Fund Development program is a way of establishing your legacy of support for the organization while providing for your current financial needs. Learn more about the process, and the variety of charitable programs you can benefit, at legion.org/plannedgiving. Clicking on “Learn more” will bring up an “E-newsletter” button, where you can sign up for regular information from Planned Giving.
- Planned Giving